Wearing the Monk’s Hood

Abstract

Even though it did not draw envious glances for its grandeur, the religious habit became yet another, although perhaps not the most eloquently discussed, issue in the Reformation debate. Clothing and outward appearance are effective means of segregation, separation, or distinguishing oneself from others, especially from those who are lower in status. Naturally, the nobility and royalty had always distinguished themselves by grandeur and luxurious materials, but as the middle classes grew stronger and wealthier, they were able to adopt the fashions of the nobility. Professional groups also differentiated themselves by distinctive clothing or other markers. The clergy wore cowls and tonsures; nuns veils; craftsmen clothes that identified them with a certain social group; masters, journeymen, and apprentices wore clothes that confirmed their status within their groups. Ideally, one glance would reveal who and what someone was. This brought security and a certain amount of reliability to society. Just as crossing the boundaries of class (for example, a peasant wearing silk) could even be criminalized, cross-dressing was dangerous and sinful because it broke what was understood to be the natural order of things.¹